The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has threatened to embark on a national protest in Abuja and commence fresh industrial action over the alleged victimisation of its representatives in the Federal Capital Territory.
The association’s warning followed the issuance of queries to members of the Executive Council of the Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, FCT.
NARD alleged that the doctors were being punished for communicating the position of the national body to their colleagues.
In a statement, the association demanded the immediate withdrawal of the queries and urged the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to intervene in the dispute.
NARD said the affected doctors acted in their capacity as elected representatives and only communicated decisions of the national body through appropriate channels.
The association’s President, Dr Mohammed Usman Suleiman, said NARD would resist any attempt to victimise its members for carrying out legitimate union responsibilities.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that NARD will not fold its arms while its members or elected representatives are victimized on account of legitimate union activities,” Suleiman said.
The association alleged that the queries were issued following notification of its planned industrial action scheduled to commence on August 10.
It warned that disciplinary measures against union representatives could further worsen relations between resident doctors and the FCT administration.
NARD called on Wike to direct the FCT Civil Service Commission to withdraw the queries issued to members of the ARD FCT Executive Council.
The doctors’ association warned that failure to resolve the dispute could result in another round of collective action.
According to NARD, the first phase would involve a national protest in Abuja to publicly demonstrate opposition to what it described as the victimisation of its representatives.
It said a national industrial action would follow if the queries were not withdrawn.
The association, however, said it remained open to dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
NARD maintained that its proposed actions were aimed at protecting the rights of its members and not at threatening the government.
It urged the FCT administration to intervene before the disagreement escalates, stressing that an early resolution would help prevent further disruption in the health sector.
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